I’m Recreating a Stairway and You can Help!

I’m about to start on a project to redesign the two stairways in my own home and would welcome any suggestions on what to do. There are so many choices: carpet or wood or both on stairs; wood, painted mdf, metal or glass on railings This will be the first of a few blogs to gather ideas, make a choice, and follow through to the new design.

I have put this off for years. There have been lots of excuses to hold off, including small children running up and down, then a large, gangly puppy, and then an elderly cat who I allowed to scratch at the carpet on the stairs so she would leave the furniture alone. This is the last carpeting left in the house and I can’t wait to see it gone. The posts and railings are not terribly secure or in good shape, and the plan is that they will be replaced. Don’t judge me as you look at the “before pics” and yes I still have a dog with long, thin legs who loves to tear up the stairs.

Here’s what I think are the main variables as I weigh the options.

Resale smart: the new stairs must appeal to the likely buyer of this home. A home that today would be priced somewhat under 300,000 within walking distance of an excellent elementary school and most amenities. Living space is on three floors which likely rules out any senior buyers. Target buyers will be a young family just starting out or with one or two children, family with one or two teenaged kids, or a single or couple without kids.

Conformity to the rest of the house: The stairs butt up to ceramic on the entry level and maple hardwood on the second level. On the third floor the flooring is a medium toned laminate. You can see from the pictures that the stairway offers angles and creative lines.Budget: to be determined.